hello everyone.

Today, we would like to introduce the long-awaited Patek Philippe model that has arrived at Commit Ginza. Commit Ginza has actually already moved once, but we sold this model with a silver dial at the old store before moving to the current location. What I mean by that is that we have only handled this model twice in six years, so it is a very rare item.

This is a rare specimen, so I hope you enjoy reading to the end. Now, let me introduce it to you.

"Ref.5204P-011" Perpetual Calendar Chrono Split Platinum

As mentioned at the beginning, the new 2012 model "Ref. 5204P-001" was announced as the successor to the "Ref. 5004" which was equipped with a Lemania-based movement.
The dial was silver, and without actually holding the watch in my hands, my impression was that it was a "Ref. 5004," and both the size and the dial design were completely different, so I remember being confused.
However, of course, there are various reasons for this that are specific to Patek Philippe , and when we actually handled it at Commit, we realized that it is a very cool, well-crafted design and watch.

The model we will introduce this time is the black dial "Ref. 5204P," which was announced as a new model at Basel in 2014. The combination of a platinum case and black dial is not available in all Patek Philippe models, but is more prevalent in higher-end models. I have always thought that, price aside, the Perpetual Calendar Chronosplit is a Patek Philippe model that can be purchased easily and is considered to be the best watch. When I heard that we would be selling this watch, I was so excited I couldn't sit still. (laughs)

In terms of the dial design, the small calendar window at the 12 o'clock position that displays the day of the week and month is larger than that of the "Ref. 5004," and the display is white text on a black background, making it much easier to read.

The leap year is also indicated numerically in a separate window between 4 and 5 o'clock, and there is a white and blue window between 7 and 8 o'clock to tell the time of day and night.

The moon phase at 6 o'clock has also been redesigned in a bold way, with the window at the bottom moving from the top to the bottom. The numbers on the date display around the outside of the moon phase have also been enlarged, making it easier to read.

Another feature is that the subdials at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions are slightly lower than the center due to the in-house movement "CHR 29-535 PS Q". This subdial arrangement is also seen in the chronograph "Ref. 5170", and since I was used to seeing "Ref. 5070", "Ref. 3970", and "Ref. 5004" equipped with Lemania-based movements, it felt strange at first, but now it doesn't bother me at all, and it's a typical Patek Philippe .

In addition, the hour and minute hands and dial indexes are luminous, improving visibility at night, and it appears that the brand, which has previously had a strong sense of placing importance on tradition, is now also focusing on improving practicality with everyday wear in mind.

With the case diameter increased from 36.7mm to 40.2mm, it has an even greater presence than the small but impressive "Ref. 5004". The sturdy lugs also make a big impact, and I think it is a flawless case design that looks good from either the left or right.

At the 6 o'clock position on the case, there is a diamond set, which is only allowed on platinum cases, so it is clear that this watch is different.

The movement seen through the skeleton case back has been changed from the previous Lemania-based "Cal. CH 27-70 Q" to the fully in-house developed and manufactured "Cal. CH 29-535 PS Q". At a glance, you can see that Patek Philippe 's commitment to craftsmanship, tradition and technology are packed into the watch, including the fine finishing of each individual part.


When I look at the movement, I can't help but be mesmerized, and I never get bored even if I look at it for a long time. It's equipped with a perpetual calendar, a chronograph, and even a split second, so that's to be expected. (laughs)

As you can see from the side, the case is 14.3mm thick, which is a comfortable size. Personally, I like this chunky feel (lol).

As for accessories, as you would expect with a watch of this class, the leather pass case to store the warranty documents is also luxurious. It is not clear which models have this specification, but the perpetual calendar and chronograph models have different specifications, so there is a clear differentiation.

The box is also designed to allow the addition of a closed back and a setting pin for adjusting the calendar. All accessories are included and the watch is in good condition. The warranty date is July 2015. The domestic list price at the time of sale is 35,758,800 yen (including 8% tax).

This platinum case model was sadly discontinued in 2019. I think there are many people looking for the black dial in particular. Although there are some scratches and small marks from use, it is in good condition with little signs of wear and does not appear to have been polished in the past. I can strongly recommend it for these reasons as well. (laughs)

The current model is only available with a leather strap in an 18KRG (rose gold) case, and has a domestic list price of 35,596,000 yen (tax included).

Assuming there is a platinum case model available at this time, I think it would not be surprising if the domestic list price was close to 40 million yen.

The selling price at Commit is 30,998,000 yen (tax included).

Looking at websites both in Japan and abroad, the number of watches for sale is low, and there are no other watches being sold at this price, so I think this is a very reasonable price.

summary

This time, the long-awaited "Ref. 5204P" with a black dial was available for the first time at Commit, so I was pretty excited too (lol)

As for the "Ref. 5204," we have sales experience with a platinum case with a silver dial, and an 18KRG (rose gold) case with a black dial and bracelet.

This class of model is one that I love and that Commit excels at.
If you are considering selling or purchasing, please feel free to contact us with any questions.

see you!

阿部泰治のパテック論